Marijuana Signs and Symptoms

Marijuana is the most abused drugs by teenagers. Despite seeing statistics fall in the percentage of teens who use marijuana in the past five years, it’s important to notice the signs of one who uses. Those who are involved with drugs and alcohol are twice as likely to participate in violent acts. They are also more likely to steal and use other illicit drugs.

Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages of intoxication

Sleepy or stuporous in the later stages

Distorted sense of time passage – tendency to overestimate time

Tendency to drive slowly – below speed limit

When the effects of the drug fade away, the child may seem very tired. Parents should also look for other symptoms such as withdrawal, depression, fatigue, carelessness with grooming, hostility, and deteriorating relationships with family members and friends.

As people mature and get older, these symptoms and signs along with further investigation, can reveal marijuana use and help loved ones to identify the specific problem associated with a user. Marijuana users are difficult to recognize unless they are under the influence of the drug at the time of observation. Casual users may show none of the general symptoms. Marijuana does have a distinct odor and may be the same color or a bit greener than tobacco. For those who partake in using marijuana, these are some particular aspects to be aware of:

Bloodshot eyes: This is one of the most well-known signs of marijuana use. The smoke can irritate the eyes, giving them a bloodshot appearance. Additionally, other factors (like loss of sleep due to substance abuse problem) can contribute to bloodshot eyes.

Dilated pupils: These are pupils that are abnormally large. Marijuana use can cause pupils to dilate dramatically.

Smell: One of the most telling signs of marijuana substance abuse is an accompanying smell. It is possible to smell marijuana smoke on the clothes and hair of a user. Additionally, personal areas, such as a room or a car, may have the smell of marijuana smoke.

Marijuana paraphernalia: Merchandise and objects connected with marijuana use can be a warning sign of marijuana substance abuse. Seeds from marijuana plants (in some case the plant or a cutting) can be telling. Materials for making homemade joints, especially cigarette papers, can be indicative. Pipes and bongs, including those that are homemade, are also warning signs of marijuana use. For homemade items, you might notice that there is sticky residue. This is a result of the burned marijuana.

Appears sleepy: Someone who is under the influence of marijuana use may seem sleepy and really relaxed.

Less motivation: Marijuana use tends to remove motivation. Regular use can lead to less interest in work or school. Additionally, someone using marijuana tends to stop trying to make and achieve goals.

Short-term memory loss: One of the effects of marijuana use is short-term memory loss. One of the warning signs of marijuana use is that you might notice that your friends and family members using the drug become increasingly forgetful.

Signs of respiratory problems: Those who use marijuana regularly often have many of the same problems that smokers have. A persistent cough, as well as other respiratory problems, can indicate marijuana use.

Addiction and Violence

If these symptoms still don’t trigger a loved one to be concerned about the possibility of drug use, further research has shown that teenagers begin exhibiting aggressive behavior that affects more than just their physical well-being. Nearly one in six teenagers, who got into serious fights at school or work, reported having had used drugs. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is also much more difficult for a teenager who uses drugs. You may see these experiences for a teenager, in particular, as a sign that something else is going on.

Marijuana Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with a marijuana addiction and want marijuana drug treatment, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (877) 714-1320. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions on marijuana addiction and treatment.